Ease of Application for Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass Compared with that for Personalised Employment Pass

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Manpower (a) for the purposes of signalling the desirability of Singapore as a base for top professionals, whether the application for the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass is made relatively easier when compared to the existing Personalised Employment Pass; and (b) if so, whether there is any intent to fast-track permanent residency or citizenship for such individuals.

The Member would be aware that the criteria for the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass is set at a high bar. Compared to the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), which the Member has cited, the ONE Pass criteria are harder to meet. Furthermore, there are some additional checks that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will need to carry out for the ONE Pass, in line with the criteria. For example, for overseas candidates, we will assess their company's market capitalisation and revenue based on verifiable sources. I had mentioned this in my Ministerial Statement in September.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) assesses applications for permanent residency (PR) and citizenship independently from work passes. The ONE Pass does not give its holders a fast-track to PR or citizenship.